Ben Kweller - “Killer Bee"

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Guster, Weezer, Pete Yorn

Ben Kweller spent his 2023 musically looking both back and forward, sharing a deluxe edition of his breakout debut Sha Sha two decades since its release as well as a spare new single in “Killer Bee”. A songwriter’s songwriter, Kweller has a gift for both words and melody with catchy rock results. Little acoustic numbers pair well with bouncy piano pop on Sha Sha and the rest of Kweller’s catalog, strongly constructed power pop and sweetened rock and roll leading the way. It’s been a few years since Kweller’s last proper full-length Circuit Boredom, so maybe SXSW will be chance to preview what’s next for this reliable artist twenty-plus years into his career. (Kevin McStravick)

2015 Review: SXSW regular and Austin native has lined up a 2015 showcase that hopefully is a sign of a new record from the accomplished and consistent singer-songwriter.  Kweller flipped the script a bit this year by appearing and performing in Rudderless, a film about heartbreak, family and music.  This sparse and tender performance of “Hold On” proves to be an emotional highlight and its no surprise.  Ben Kweller is always engaging, whether it’s rocking power chords or sparse piano melodies and is a easy pick for SXSW 2015.